Winda Woppa at Hawks Nest is a unique peninsula, a narrow finger of land between Port Stephens and the Myall River. The lot for this house is located directly opposite the beach and offers a fantastic views across Port Stephens towards the Yacaba and Tomaree headlands. The views extend 180º degrees from the beach to the North around to the development on the opposite side of Port Stephens (Shoal Bay) to the South.
The Owners approached Mark Lawler Architects to design a holiday home on this difficult site which would serve their needs and also accommodate their extended family. The family ranged from adults to infant grandchildren, so this house needed to be suitable for people of all ages. The Clients were keen that the house have a casual appearance to reflect the beach setting and not be a formal “brick mansion”.
The First Floor contains an open plan Living/Dining and Kitchen space, Master Bedroom with Ensuite Bathroom and Dressing Room and a Guest Bedroom with Ensuite Bathroom. Decks are provided on both sides of the house. On the Ground Floor the house provides a large double Garage with Workshop, a second Living space, two Guest Bedrooms, (one Bedroom with an Ensuite Bathroom) and a second Bathroom. Due to the younger grandchildren it was decided that a swimming pool would be a very useful facility where children can be more closely supervised. Also for the children as much of the rear yard as possible was preserved as a level grassed playing area. The decks provided on the First Floor offer undercover terraces for the outdoor areas on the Ground Floor.
The internal planning of the house was largely determined by the orientation and the views. The First Floor open plan Living spaces allow generous decks to both the North and South of the house. The Living areas receive good light at all times of the day and very efficient cross ventilation. The Kitchen is placed in one corner of the main Living space and enjoys views in both directions. A small Study was provided on the ocean side of the house so that the Clients can work remotely when necessary while enjoying the water views.
